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This past Friday, the Attorney General appointed interim US attorney Jay Clayton to lead an investigation into opponents of Donald Trump and their connections with the late financier. This move came just after Trump directed her to launch the investigation.

During an announcement, Bondi commended Jay Clayton as “one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country”. She stated, “This case will be addressed with speed and honesty to ensure public transparency.”

This development appears to contradict a July memo from justice department officials which indicated that documents related to Epstein lacked grounds for further inquiries. As per the document, investigators “found no proof justifying probes into uncharged individuals”

Trump Calls for Scrutiny of Political Opponents in Epstein Case

The announcement coincides with growing demands from the president on congressional Republicans to resist the full release of Epstein-related documents before an upcoming House vote in the coming days. Many Republicans are anticipated to support the disclosure.

Newly public emails from Jeffrey Epstein have spotlighted the president’s past involvement with the convicted criminal, including details that he was more aware of Epstein’s actions than earlier acknowledged.

On Friday, Trump declared he would ask the DOJ to investigate connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Paradoxically, he also described the “Epstein situation” as a “deception”.

Other Developments from the Day

• Trump announced he would take legal action against the BBC, even after a formal apology from the network. Trump claimed the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Jeffrey Epstein allegedly guided Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to defend Trump’s policies. Communications released show Epstein’s involvement in coaching the influencer.
• American forces are planning for a partitioned Gaza, with a secure area under international and Israeli control and a “red zone” unreconstructed.
• State officials have revived the sole ongoing legal case against the President after appointing a replacement attorney.
• Trump reversed tariff policy by cutting duties on imported goods like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to combat rising costs.
• The two nations concluded a deal to lower tariffs on Swiss goods from a significant decrease.

Other notable events included appeals to protect national parks, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a court approval for a resolution in the Purdue Pharma case.